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Word for the World - April 12

“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14)

Once you open the flood gates, they are hard to close! Once the water begins to flow, the seal is not easily repaired. Once the fight begins, the damage is done.

When should we “abandon the quarrel before it breaks out”? Certainly this is not true of every battle. There is a time for peace and a time for war. Here are some principles to help you know if the fight is worth it.

First, is the name and honor of God at stake? If so, before you proceed, ask “Will a battle bring honor to God more than my silence?” If so, fight the battle.

Second, is a principle of scripture dishonored in order to fight the battle? Slaves are to obey their master, children obey their parents, and subjects obey their King. Only rarely does the Lord allow these principles to be broken for the sake of higher principles. If your quarrel involves authority, consider whom God has placed in authority and honor that to the greatest degree possible.

Third, is there an exit strategy? No one is blessed by never-ending strife. If you must enter battle, make sure that, when the time comes, you can walk away from the battle as well. If you take a matter to your boss, make sure you can leave it with him after taking it to him (or that you can leave the job with him!). If you take a matter to your spouse, make sure there is an exit strategy to the strife because your commitment “’till death do us part” does not allow an exit from your marriage. Make sure that you will be able to stop whatever strife you begin.

Be very careful “picking fights.” Work to be a peacemaker and problem-solver. You will bless yourself, your church, your family, and your God!

In His Grace,

Dr. Randy White

For more solid Biblical teaching, including a daily radio broadcast
from Dr. White, please visit Randy White Ministries.